ə̇nˈvāzhən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English (Scots) invasioune, from Middle French invasion, from Late Latin invasion-, invasio, from Latin invasus (past participle of invadere to invade) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at invade
1.
a. : a hostile entrance or armed attack on the property or territory of another for conquest or plunder
the invasion of So. Korea resulted in the first police action by United Nations forces
b. obsolete : an attack on a person : assault
2. : an inroad of any kind: as
a. : an entry into or establishment in an area not previously occupied
invasion of agricultural Lowland Britain by … industries from the Highland Margin — L.D.Stamp
an invasion of catbrier
invasion of sediments by granite — W.H.Bucher
b. : the introduction or spread of something hurtful or pernicious
invasion of locusts
specifically : the period during which a pathogen multiplies in and is distributed through the body of a host prior to the development of clinically evident disease
vaccine helps to defeat a virus invasion by promoting the production of antibodies in the bloodstream
c. : a penetration or occupation by an outside force or agency
tourists … making their annual invasion of France — James Pope-Hennessy
insidious invasions of experience into the heart — Mark Schorer
knew I would not disapprove of this invasion of my place by my young cousin — R.H.Davis
specifically : the penetration and gradual occupation of an area by a population group of different socioeconomic status or racial or cultural origin than its original inhabitants — compare succession
d. : visit , tour
guest invasions by famed choreographers — Time
the enterprising candidate made a two-day invasion of nearby tank towns
3. : encroachment , intrusion ; specifically : an encroachment upon a right protected by law affording grounds for an action for damages or some other remedy